Changed health insurance during pregnancy - noone wants to cover consultant charges

Maria123

Hi, I feel like hitting the wall so I thought I will ask for advice here.

Let me show you a timeline of events:

1.May 2014 - got pregnant while being insured VHI
2. Summer 2014 - paid consultant fees (semi-private care) in the amount of 750e
3. 31 Dec 2014 - my employer changed my insurance from VHI to Aviva (without asking for my consent ). Was told the level of care won't be affected, no waiting periods apply etc.
4. Feb 2015 - baby was born

After the baby was born I tried to claim the consultant fees back with VHI (350 out of 750 paid, as a pre & post natal charge). They refused my claim saying "Please note that the mother must be insured with VHI for 52 weeks before the birth of the baby before being entitled to this benefit" (I was insured with them for 6 years, but not for the last few weeks)

Aviva refuses to pay too, saying that I while paying consultant fees I wasn't Aviva customer yet.

Any advice? Thanks in advance!

fits

Contact the health insurance authority straight away. And keep us posted. Im shocked at this behaviour.

LostArt

What maternity cover did your VHI plan have and when did you first take out a VHI plan?

Maria123

Company Plan Plus Level 1. I've been with them since 2008 until 31 Dec 2014.

LostArt

Submit a formal complaint to VHI and then to the Financial Services Ombudsman if needed. The Health Insurance Authority does not have the powers to investigate claim disputes.